No Man’s Sky Fractal update brings PS VR2 support, new Expedition, starship

To coincide with the launch of PlayStation VR2 we are releasing No Man’s Sky’s first major update of 2023. We’re calling it Fractal (version 4.1). From the moment PlayStation told us about their new headset we knew we’d want to support it from day one, and Fractal brings full support for PS VR2 with new immersive controls and next generation visuals. 

Our small team has always been incredibly passionate about VR. No Man’s Sky is about exploration and there’s nothing quite like exploring the infinite universe in virtual reality. Our game has changed a huge amount since our small team introduced VR support back in 2019, and we were so excited to revisit and overhaul all virtual reality for all players. The release of PS VR2 was the perfect time to do so.

Here’s a brief list of some of the features players old and new can expect when slipping on a headset:

• Play the entirety of No Man’s Sky in virtual reality without compromise, with new levels of immersion.
• Using the power of PlayStation 5, PS VR2 provides a truly next generation virtual reality experience, featuring reflections, terrain tessellation, increased draw distance, denser foliage, ultra-quality textures and refraction.
• PlayStation VR2-specific functionality includes headset vibrations, 3D audio technology and intelligent tracking, haptic feedback and adaptive triggers from the PS VR2 Sense controller and more.
• Switch between VR and standard gameplay. Continue from an existing save to revisit favorite planets, bases and creatures in full virtual reality.
• The HUD and user interface has been completely remade for virtual reality, ensuring that every interaction available in the game feels natural and built for purpose. Including controlling Multi-Tool options via a menu embedded on the in-world Multi-Tool; and browsing the quick menu and inventory via a personal wrist-mounted display.
• Lift open your starship’s cockpit, then reach out and grab the controls to take flight. Turn around for a full 360° view of the starship and vehicle cockpits, with incredible details only visible in VR.
• Many interactions have been given special VR-only options, including: grabbing plants and other collectables with your hands, physically opening the cockpits of ships and exocraft, piloting starships directly with a VR stick/throttle, and punching objects to cause damage.
• With complete head and hand tracking, interactions in virtual reality make No Man’s Sky more intuitive, tactile, and immersive than ever. Physically unholster your Multi-Tool from your shoulder. Intuitively aim and fire at targets, or put it away to engage in combat with your fists. Tap a button on your headset to toggle the Analysis Visor, then point towards fauna, flora, and minerals to scan and discover them.

However, even if you don’t have a PS VR2 headset the Fractal update brings new experiences and huge improvements for all players!

Fractal introduces a stunning new starship, the Utopia Speeder, which allows travelers to skim across planet surfaces at high velocity. We’re also launching a new Expedition – “Utopia” – which challenges players to work together and rebuild an abandoned solar system for the mysterious Utopia Foundation. Other expedition rewards include an exclusive new helmet (the Fearsome Visor), a robotic drone companion and much more.

PlayStation players can now take advantage of motion controls on the DualSense and DualShock 4 controllers, making exploring and scanning new discoveries more comfortable and precise than ever.

Speaking of which, the Wonders Catalog shows off your most incredible discoveries, from tallest mountain to strangest creature, giving explorers a detailed record of their journey and allowing players to compare their records with fellow travelers. 

We’ve also overhauled the game’s options systems, introducing a raft of new accessibility features and giving players even more control over the way they play and experience the game.

2022 was a pretty packed year for No Man’s Sky with major free updates like Sentinel, Outlaws, Leviathan, Endurance and Waypoint, plus a bunch more of our popular expeditions. We’ve got an even bigger year planned for 2023, with Fractal and PS VR2 support marking just the starting point.

Thanks again so much for your continued support. It means a lot to us. Our journey continues.